Sun Tea: Recipes, Wellness Tips, and Safety Tricks
Wanna talk about something magical? Well, I think sun tea is exactly that! I am not quite sure what about sun tea gets to me. Maybe it is the slow steeping under the sun, maybe it is the simplicity, or maybe I am just another wistful soul chasing the echos of the past. Whatever it is, sun tea has me in a chokehold.
Sun tea is the kind of drink that whispers all sorts of soothing and calming promises to you, something we all need with the Summer hype running us wild. With just a glass jar, some tea bags, and the beautiful sunshine, you can make yourself this slice of heaven.
Sun tea is, simply put, way more than a drink. It’s a special kind of tea that’s hydrating, refreshing, and, let’s not forget, nostalgic. It is a homage to the old times when flavor came from nature and time rather than artificial conveniences.
Speaking of nostalgia, I know most of us grew up watching our grandma brewing her teas every summer. The memories are so ingrained, and your heart fondly remembers those old Summer days when you could play outside all day and find grandma sipping her tea.
The aesthetic reels and sun tea recipes bring back all the memories, and you are ready to make sun tea this Summer.
Whether you’re here for wellness, aesthetics, nostalgia, or just excellent tea, let’s go ahead and make you your new favorite Summer ritual! Plus, you’ll get safety tips that are non-negotiable when making Sun tea.
What is Sun Tea, and Why Is It So Popular?
Okay, I know you’re intrigued, especially if you haven’t tried sun tea before. So, what exactly is sun tea?
Well, it’s exactly that: tea made using sunshine instead of boiling the water. It originated in South America and became really popular because of its simplicity; all you need are hot days and a good spot on your front porch.
So basically, we have sun tea, cold brew, and hot tea. But what’s the difference?
Hot tea is your classic tea, where you simply boil water and then steep the tea. When it comes to cold brew, you need a fridge and a few hours, it is slow but pretty smooth. Finally, sun tea is the perfect middle ground, no heat, no fridge, just a few hours outside.
It’s the perfect holistic summer beverage because it requires minimal effort, and it’s eco-friendly because all you need is the sun.
Sun tea is effortlessly refreshing and nostalgic, and its calming effect is magical. I dare say hydration for the soul.
How to Make Classic Sun Tea (Step-by-Step)
Making sun tea is super easy and a hundred percent rewarding. You don’t need to stress and over-complicate it because this summer ritual is relatively straightforward.
What You’ll Need
- First, you’ll need a glass jar with a lid. It needs to be clear to let the sun in, and the lid ensures all bugs are kept out.
- Next is filtered water. Better water equals better tea, so avoid tap water if it’s too chlorinated.
- You’ll also need around 4-6 tea bags. If you like intense flavors, don’t shy away from adding more.
- Finally, sunshine! This is your eco-friendly source of heat and the more direct, the better.
Best Teas to Use to Make Sun Tea (Black, Green, and Herbal options)
There are so many types of teas on the market, and I know you’re probably wondering which one would best suit you when making our sun tea. Here are some suggestions filled with antioxidants that I definitely love and think would be perfect for you.
- Black tea. This is an excellent traditional choice because it’s rich and slightly sweet.
- Green tea. If you’re looking for that earthy and refreshing flavor, then this is a perfect choice.
- Herbal options. From chamomile, mint, and hibiscus, all the way to lemon balm, the list is endless, all with their unique benefits.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Put the filtered water inside your clear jar.
- Next, add 4 to 6 tea bags or more, depending on your taste.
- Once done, close the lid and put the jar in direct sunlight.
- Let it steep for 2 to 4 hours or longer if you want a bolder flavor.
- Finally, remove the tea bags and refrigerate. You can serve it over ice to beat the heat.
Time & Placement Tips (Best time of day, ideal location for full sun)
For the best results, let your sun tea steep between late morning and mid-afternoon. This is when the sun is at its strongest.
The ideal location would be a sunny balcony, a patio table, or a windowsill.
Sun Tea Flavor Combos for Wellness & Glow
When we talk about how awesome sun tea is, it goes way beyond how refreshing and hydrating it can be.
You can use sun tea to get your Summer wellness on track. From glowing skin and better digestion to pure Summer bliss!
Here are a few great combos that will definitely meet and surpass all your health and wellness standards this Summer.
Herbal Teas Wellness Blends
- Mint + Green Tea
Mint is perfect for cooling down and is excellent for soothing digestion. Green tea, on the other hand, is packed with antioxidants and gives you a little pick-up boost.
- Lavender + Chamomile
Both lavender and chamomile are popular because of their ability to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
The flavor is nothing short of floral and dreamy, helping you deeply relax, and is perfect before bed or during a nice Sunday bath.
- Lemon Balm + Ginger
The blend works as an excellent choice to boost concentration and overall wellness. Using lemon balm will enhance your focus and reduce anxiety symptoms. You also get to enjoy the zip-like flavor of ginger with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Fruity Refreshers( Perfect for Summer)
- Peach + Black Tea
This combination is packed with antioxidants, and the peach brings in a great nostalgic vibe that is perfect for porch swings, lazy afternoons, or sunny BBQs.
- Lemon + Raspberry Hibiscus
If tart and tangy are what you like, then say no more because this combo is it. Plus, hibiscus is great for heart health, raspberry gives you glowing skin, and the lemon adds that bright twist that is also awesome for your skin.
- Strawberry + Basil + Green Tea
This combo is packed with antioxidants and perfectly blends sweetness and herbaceous flavors. It’s definitely refreshing and tastes as good as it looks.
Optional Natural Sweeteners
If you want a little more sun tea sweetness, then natural sweeteners are the best alternatives. You can have raw honey, which is great for immune support, maple syrup, which is the warm hug you need, or stevia.
Totally avoid artificial sweeteners. It beats the logic since the whole point of sun tea is to go naturally and re-envision the old days.
Sun Tea Safety: Avoiding Bacteria
We’ve talked about how great and magical sun tea is, but it’s imperative to note that if you aren’t careful about how to handle it, it could become a bacteria spa.
Yes, if you are not careful, this Summer wellness ritual can actually make you ill. And that would be a shame. After all, it is Summer! And we are outside.
When it comes to hot tea, where you boil water, you kill all the microorganisms with the high temperatures.
With sun tea, you’re brewing it at lower temperatures, which are sometimes warm enough to promote the growth of bacteria. One common bacteria is Alcaligenes viscolactis, which is found in water.
Don’t panic, though, because there are ways to prevent this. Check out these safety tips to make sun tea safely.
- Use glass containers: Glass is definitely better than plastics because, unlike the latter, which can leach chemicals in the sun, glass is clean, and safe.
- Always refrigerate after steeping: Immediately after the steeping is complete, make sure to put your sun tea in the fridge to stop bacteria in its tracks.
- Use within 24–48 hours: Sun tea is a little like fresh juice; you can’t keep it in your fridge for days on end. After 48 hours, the risk of spoilage increases. So make sure you drink it within 24-48 hours.
- Sanitize jars before use: A quick rinse won’t be enough, so just make sure you sanitize your jar nicely before use. Don’t cut corners and risk making yourself and your loved ones ill.
How to Serve Sun Tea Like a Pro
Garnishes and presentation
It’s the little details that count, and your sun tea is no exception. Go ahead and dress up your tea with citrus slices, fresh mint sprigs or even edible flowers to give it that perfect last touch.
Creative serving suggestions
When it comes to how to serve your sun tea in a creative and artful way, there is no limit. But a few suggestions to die for would be with frozen fruit cubes that add flavor and chill to beat the Summer heat. For that aesthetic Summer vibes, use mason jars with cute straws.
For slow mornings or journaling routines
Sun tea is perfect for slow mornings, so pour yourself a glass as you ease into a slow, calm, and screen-free morning. Sun tea is also ideal as you cozy up with your favorite book and pen to journal.
Mood ideas
With a summer playlist full of all your favorite songs, a refreshing cup of sun tea in your hands, and your bare feet in the grass, what more could you possibly ask for?
Final Thoughts
For me, there is something so profoundly nostalgic about sun tea. Perherbs, I was born in the wrong century? Brewing sun tea feels like the ultimate connection to nature.
Whether you are brewing the classic black tea or experimenting with herbal teas for their wellness benefits, sun tea is all about slowing down, enjoying nature, and savoring the day.
So go ahead and mix and match your combinations to make this Summer Wellness drink!Just remember, safety is non-negotiable. Use clean jars, refrigerate your tea promptly, and drink it within 48 hours, 24 hours if possible.
